Meet the site
No description of the site itself was found in the sources consulted.
The name almost certainly refers to gorgonian sea fans, for which Flinders is well known. Mike Ball describes Flinders as vertical walls dropping more than 300 m with soft corals and massive sea fans, including the 5 m 'Gigantus Gorgonia' at Cod Wall, and marinelife.org.au records fans up to 4.5 m across at nearby China Wall. A site named for its fans in this company is likely to be a wall or slope where large gorgonians grow in the current.
If so, divers can expect gorgonians in reds, oranges and yellows, often hosting hawkfish, feather stars and possibly pygmy seahorses, with soft corals and sea whips between them. Along the wall, anthias swarm and reef sharks patrol, and pelagic fish such as trevally, tuna and barracuda pass. Visibility of 40 m or more is common at Flinders.
Depths, orientation and position are not documented, and the description of fans is inferred from the name and from neighbouring sites. The crew briefing will be the best guide. It suits intermediate divers comfortable on a wall. Divers are reminded that large gorgonians are fragile and slow-growing: keep fins, gauges and camera rigs clear, and avoid kicking up sediment near them.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Fan Fair (Flinders Reef) is recorded as Wall in Coral Sea. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Fan Fair (Flinders Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Fan Fair (Flinders Reef) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Expected: gorgonian fans, soft corals, sea whips, hawkfish, feather stars, anthias, reef sharks, trevally, tuna, barracuda
Location
A Flinders Reefs dive site named on Mike Ball's Yongala & Coral Sea itinerary, presumably named for its sea fans; exact position not published.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
mikeball.commikeball.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
